BARREL, THE AMOUNT OF PORK YOU CAN TAKE OUT OF THE

ScnMaster

reference to the term pork barrel: an American term applied to legislation which makes available federal funds for local improvements or developments in the district of the congressman who promotes the measure to maintain popularity with the voters. It refers indirectly to old plantation days when slaves assembled at the pork barrel for the allowance of pork reserved for them, and "pork barrel" for the congressman is a reward for service to his political party. —Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. (Slightly edited to substitute for possibly misunderstood terms and for clarity.) (Deterioration of Liberty Glossary) Final approval 17.9.89